Air Conditioners For Condos
A lot of modern apartments and condos don’t come with built-in air conditioning units. They do have floor-to-ceiling windows which offer stunning views, but let in too much light and heat.
If your house has ductwork, then a central AC is a good option. HVAC contractors Brick spoke to said that if your building isn’t equipped with ductwork, a central AC system might be the best option.
1. Window Units
Window air conditioners are an inexpensive and simple method to cool your condo without having to install ductwork. They work by removing warm air from a room and replacing it with cooler air, making them a fantastic choice for those on a tight budget or older homes that don’t have ductwork. There are some disadvantages, which should be considered prior to buying.
Window ACs are confined to cooling a single room, which makes them not a great option for larger homes. It’s also important to choose models that have high Energy Efficiency Ratings (EER) or Energy Star certifications. Additionally, they’re a security risk, as the windows are easily removed and give easy access to your home.
It is possible to install accordions or even wood to block out the extra space around the window. Most window units come with an installation kit for windows that can be used to easily install them yourself by sliding the chassis into the window and attaching the sleeve to the exterior of the window frame. For larger models that have higher BTU capacity, the chassis is designed to move between rails and the sleeve is connected to the frame with brackets that secure it to the window.
To determine the amount of unit you will need, multiply the square footage by the amount of BTUs required to cool the room effectively. To maximize efficiency, consider whether your room gets plenty of sunlight or is on an upper floor. A bigger unit will be more expensive, but it will save you money on energy bills over time. If you want to have a long-term solution for your home, our HVAC experts recommend purchasing central AC system. Although the initial cost is more expensive, it will eventually pay for itself over the years with lower monthly utility bills and a longer service life than a variety of window units.
2. Portable Units
A portable air conditioner is a standalone cooling device that functions like the space heater. They are designed to be plugged into an outlet, and a mini-duct or tube can be run through a window to vent heat and carbon dioxide (not to be confused with the harmful gas carbon monoxide). The units can be moved from room to room, and are typically sized according to their cooling capacity, which is measured by BTU ratings. To get the best results, a unit should be sized to fit in the space it is intended for, as oversized units won’t provide adequate cooling and can be more prone to wear down than.
These units are used typically in apartment buildings or homes that do not have ducting systems or where the central AC unit is the main cooling system. Using portable ACs in a single or multiple rooms could reduce the burden on the central system, which can save electricity and also money.
The most reliable portable units will also come with an option to dehumidify to lessen humidity, which is a frequent cause of hot spots and can make a room feel unbearably warm. The units should come with washable filters for optimum performance, and remote controls to make operation easier. Choose energy STAR certified models to save money and energy compared to non-certified units.
If you choose to go portable, it is essential to choose a dual-hose model instead of a one-hose model. Dual-hose models draw air from outside through condenser coils, and then blow it out through the other hose. This significantly increases the effectiveness of the unit, and also helps to reduce the noise generated by the process. This feature may cost more however the savings and comfort could make it worth the extra expense.
4. Ductless Systems
Ductless systems, also known as mini-splits are duct-free alternatives to central air conditioning. They are made up of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, and thin piping that is inserted into tiny holes in your walls. Ductless systems are a great choice for condos, because they can be placed in places where traditional HVAC ducts cannot. They are the perfect cooling solution for a lot of Southwest Florida homes, condos and apartments because homeowners do not want to cut into walls and floors to install ductwork.
In a ductless system, air is cooled by the indoor unit when it travels through refrigerant-filled tubing coming from the outdoor unit. The air conditioner is quieter than traditional models which means you can cool your space without disturbing others. Some ductless systems offer heating capabilities, as well which means you can enjoy all year-round peace and comfort.
The ductless system is ideal for a variety of spaces, such as sunrooms, garages, and bedrooms. They can also enhance the comfort of older homes condominiums, apartments, and homes which aren’t equipped with ductwork. This kind of system can also be utilized in multifamily housing because it is easily adaptable to different kinds of occupancy patterns.
A ductless system is more energy efficient than conventional systems due to the fact that it doesn’t need to force air over long distances. As a result, it can cut down on your power consumption significantly. They are also smaller than forced-air systems, which helps them save on installation costs and space.
Ductless systems offer superior cooling performance and can be customized to suit your individual preferences for temperature. They can improve the air quality in your condo, as well by utilizing a powerful filtering system that can remove harmful particles from the air. This helps you avoid asthma and allergies while also keeping your space cool all season. Contact us today if interested in learning more. Our technicians are ready to assist you. We can assess your needs and help you determine the best air conditioning solution for your specific situation.